Congrats to Ron and Donna

We’ll they did it – they've tied the knot. My nephew Ronald and Donna made it official as husband and wife in a civil ceremony. Ron is the person I had written about -- in particular, changing his diapers as a baby -- in my previous blog about my raspberry-induced recollections of long ago summers in Bainbridge Island. I wish I was there to offer, personally, my best wishes to them.

The following photos were “pirated” from Miss Gracie’s flickr account:

I first met Donna about eight years ago when her basketball team was looking for a coach and I volunteered to coach the team. In the basketball court, Donna was always determined and gritty, although she was shorter than most everyone in the court. She accompanied us, six other guys made up of family and friends, on a three week backpacking tour of western Europe during the summer of 2002. She managed well among a group of guys during the trip. She is fairly independent, outwardly confident, and very candid. I am glad she joined us because she made our trip much more interesting and enjoyable. I have also noticed Donna’s interaction with kids. Kids tend to gravitate toward her. They really enjoy playing with her, and most importantly, she enjoys being with them. Donna is passionate about her convictions in human rights and social injustice.

I have had many profound conversations, about many subjects, with Ron. In many conversations (somehow they are almost always during late night/early morning) and correspondences (thru e-mails since I have been overseas) with Ron for the last 4 to 5 years, he has often confided to me his unequivocal love for Donna. I have always been very close to Ron. He tends to value my opinions, views, and outlook on many subjects; likewise, I value his. During my visits back to Seattle, Ron would try to get some private time with me to talk. Because of my hectic schedule whenever I visit, I did not always find time to talk to Ron. I have not had much opportunity to spend quality time with him on my last few visits. But I know Ron quite well -- he has his head on straight.

A favorite song of mine is David Gray's Babylon. The song lyrics remind me of some of the sentiments that Ron has professed to me in many of our conversations about Donna. The song's chorus includes the following line: “The love that I was giving you was never in doubt.” This line, I think, speaks volume of Ron’s sincere love for Donna.

I don’t have a good video camera, only the video portion of my mini-digital camera. Sorry for the bad quality of the video, audio, lighting, and especially, the singing. But since I couldn’t be there in person, I thought I would offer something special. I dedicate the following video to Ron & Donna.

Donna and Ron make a good couple. They are perfect for each other. I extend my congratulations and best wishes to Ron and Donna.